The Essential phone that’s going after the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 is finally here

Andy Rubin, the man responsible for the Android revolution, is finally ready to show the world his new toys. He may no longer work on Android, or at Google, but Rubin is still very much ready to innovate in the smartphone business. Unveiled today, the Essential is a modern approach to making Android smartphones. And yes, this new high-end Android device is here to try to convince you not to buy an iPhone 8 or Galaxy S8 this year.

Unlike other phones, the Essential is made of titanium and ceramic, while Corning Gorilla Glass 5 covers the display. On the back, there’s a fingerprint reader and also a special two-pin wireless accessory connector that lets you attach the world’s smallest 360-degree camera — yes, the speculations were accurate — or wirelessly charge it. What you won’t find on the back, or on the front for that matter, is a company or carrier logo.

The phone’s display has an edge-to-edge design with “radiused corners.” However, the bottom lip is slightly bigger than you’d expect it to be, and it’s not symmetrical to the top edge. Also, the front-facing camera breaks up screen continuity in a rather unpleasant way.

The Essential phone costs $699, or $749. The more expensive offer includes the 360 camera, that would otherwise sell for $199 by itself. We have no release date for the handset right now, but you can reserve yours today.